Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Thailand.
Palliative Care Center, 297361Songkhla Hospital, Songkhla, Thailand.
Qual Health Res. 2022 Sep;32(11):1732-1746. doi: 10.1177/10497323221116796. Epub 2022 Aug 3.
End-of-life decision-making is a complex process and more challenging when decisions are made for others. Little is known about Thai family members' involvement in decision-making to withdraw life-sustaining treatments (LSTs) from loved ones with serious illnesses. This qualitative study explores the experiences of family caregivers in Southern Thailand regarding decisions related to LST withdrawal. In-depth interviews were used to gather data from fifteen primary caregivers, who were involved in LST withdrawal decision-making. Content analysis was applied, and several techniques, such as member-checking and peer debriefing, were used to enhance trustworthiness. Four main themes were identified: facing dilemmas, weighing up options, making a consensual decision, and accepting the reality of life. The findings pointed out the significant roles played by family meetings and early end-of-life discussion in the process of decision-making to withdraw LSTs from loved ones. Further research on communication among patients' family members and health care providers is recommended.
生命末期决策是一个复杂的过程，当为他人做出决策时，会更加具有挑战性。对于泰国的家庭成员在决定停止为重病亲人提供生命维持治疗（LST）方面的参与情况，人们知之甚少。本定性研究探讨了泰国南部的主要照顾者在与停止生命维持治疗（LST）的决定相关的经验。通过深度访谈，从参与 LST 停止决策的 15 名主要照顾者那里收集了数据。采用内容分析法，并运用成员检查和同行讨论等几种技术来提高可信度。确定了四个主要主题：面临困境、权衡选择、做出共识决策和接受生命现实。研究结果指出，家庭会议和生命末期讨论在停止为亲人提供 LST 的决策过程中起着重要作用。建议进一步研究患者家属和医疗保健提供者之间的沟通。
